Newcastle United fans take over the streets of Melbourne in mass fan gathering

It felt like "Melbourne upon Tyne" as masses of Toon Army foot soldiers marched through the streets of Victoria.

There is a spellbinding coastline here and glorious weather even for late autumn. But the one thing people love is Premier League football and Newcastle are well represented.

Jerimiah Sullivan, who now runs Aussie Mags, told Chronicle Live: "I run Aussie Mags after inheriting it from a good friend Andrew McTernan. He started Aussie Mags in 2006.

READ MORE: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle United: Unlikely heroes emerge as Magpies beat Spurs on penalties

READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings vs Tottenham: Razor sharp youngster impresses and Bruno keeps going

"It started with just six mates in St Kilda in a local pub. Now it's grown to over 4,000 members through Facebook.

"We organise events, we had hundreds at the Carabao Cup final which kicked off at 3am here. And we are helping organise events here in Global Football Week."

The turn out is massive and the streets of Melbourne around the MCG are like St James' Park on a match day. With flags flying, horns beeping and proud dads holding their kids aloft to enjoy the fun, it almost feels surreal.

This was not the low key meaningless friendly that people spoke about back in the UK. This was a celebration - and a big one at that.

Jerimiah added: "We sorted out three venues for Wednesday's game and there's four for the Marvel Stadium on Friday night. We have fans coming over from Japan, Cambodia and of course Newcastle upon Tyne!

"It's going to be an amazing few days. Australian hospitality is like Geordie hospitality, we love a smile, we love a beer and we love our football.

"But it's all about getting ex-pats together. We get everybody together in one spot to have fun and share like-minded stories."

Whether it is full intended or not, there also seems to be a major mental health benefit of the gatherings. Jerimiah told me: "Aussie Mags was formed from Andy's homesickness.

"He was a season ticket holder for 20 years in the Gallowgate. He was homesick and started a new life here. He wanted to create a little spot of Newcastle in Australia and he's achieved that."

The MCG belted out the Blaydon Races and Local Hero amid a pre-match fireworks display. It was a lump in your throat moment.

After the game, Eddie Howe was blown away by the support: "They were fantastic and we wanted to thank them. It was unbelievable. The amount of Geordies who have travelled and spoken to us is amazing.

"The support always amazes me. It surprises me, but it shouldn't because on a daily basis you find out the loyalty of the supporters."